[Elecraft] Beam antenna question

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

On 5/20/2017 11:32 AM, Terry Brown wrote:
 > These beams are not cheap,  I don't want to be taking the beam down
 > and replacing main structural components every 5 yrs.
 >
 > Can anyone with a hex beam comment on this?

Your concerns are well placed with antennas made of fiberglass and
dacron/kevlar cords.

Instead of a hexbeam, I would recommend looking at the Innovantennas
XR5T: 
<http://innovantennas.com/antennas-a-accesories/on-line-shop/view/productdetails/virtuemart_product_id/435/virtuemart_category_id/55.html>, 

or the JK Antennas Navassa 5:
<https://jkantennas.com/jk-navassa-5.html>

Both have boom lengths of 12 feet or less, cover 20 - 10 meters and
have optional 6 meter add-ons.  Either should significantly out
perform the hex beams and - since they are aluminum antennas that do
not use UV sensitive fiberglass, kevlar and dacron components - should
significantly outlast the hexbeam with significantly less maintenance.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 5/20/2017 11:32 AM, Terry Brown wrote:
> I really appreciate all the comments.  I do have a follow up
> question:
>
> An aluminum beam can be left up for years. I was reading one review
> of a particular hex beam and the poster said that after 4 years,  the
> cords holding the beam together had become brittle and started to
> fail from UV exposure and the main support members had deteriorated
> for same reason.
>
> These beams are not cheap,  I don't want to be taking the beam down
> and replacing main structural components every 5 yrs.
>
> Can anyone with a hex beam comment on this?
>
> Thanks, Terry
>